Rest Interval Required for Power Training With Power Load in the Bench Press Throw Exercise

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Optimizing rest interval durations is crucial for maximizing power output and minimizing fatigue during strength training.
• Previous research has explored various rest intervals, but specific recommendations for the bench press throw exercise at moderate loads remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different rest interval (RI) durations (1, 2, and 3 minutes) on power output, physiological responses, and perceptual exertion during the bench press throw exercise at 40% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one college students performed 5 sets of 8 repetitions of the bench press throw exercise at 40% 1RM with randomized 1, 2, or 3-minute RIs.
• Measurements included mean and peak power output, lactate concentration ([La]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Main Results:

• A 1-minute RI led to significantly greater decreases in power output and higher increases in physiological and perceptual variables compared to 2- and 3-minute RIs.
• No significant differences in power output or physiological/perceptual variables were observed between 2- and 3-minute RIs.
• DOMS was not significantly different across the RI conditions.

Conclusions:

• A 2-minute RI is adequate to maintain power output and manage physiological and perceptual fatigue during bench press throw training at 40% 1RM.
• Utilizing a 2-minute RI may allow for reduced training session duration without compromising performance, enabling focus on other training priorities.